‘Put Sarawakians in the ocean, they become an island; on land, they become a mountain’ – Premier

Abang Johari speaks during the opening ceremony of YSISS Kuching on Jan 31, 2026. Screenshot taken from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) livestream on Facebook.

By Shikin Louis & Amanda L

KUCHING, Jan 31: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today envisioned a future where Sarawakians are advanced across all fields and equipped to compete confidently on the international stage.

Abang Johari emphasised the Sarawak government’s commitment to providing quality education to all children, regardless of family background or social status, with the aim of making Sarawak a region advanced in all aspects.

“If you place Sarawakians in the ocean, they become an island; if placed on land, they become a mountain.

In other words, wherever you are placed, you can create something new and recognised by the international community,” he said at the opening of Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) Kuching at Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian.

He further said that to build, advance and develop the country, youth must be equipped with the latest knowledge and meet international standards.

“You must be at the forefront. You cannot be a follower. You must create something new, and only then will you be considered a developed country,” he added.

Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s dual approach to education, where public schools follow the national curriculum while private schools like YSISS adopt the Cambridge syllabus.

“You have your national education policy to produce Sarawakian children, and with the Cambridge syllabus, we produce children who can compete with international peers,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily